This is my recommendation on what to bring and what’s in my bags during one of the trips to Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
Whenever possible I will have all my essential personal items with me in my carry on such as clothes and the check in luggage will hold most of my fishing gear.
In case the luggage does not arrive I’ll at least have what I need on me. By the way, I’m also using an Apple AirTag in the check in luggage just in case and have a little piece of mind.
What’s in my Eastpak Luggage?
- 2 rods (in this instance a Lamson Liquid Max 8wt and a Yamaga Blanks 8wt fly rod)
- 2 reels plus 1 spare spool
- Flies and fly boxes
- Spare hat
- Spare clothes
- Wading shoes
- Socks
- Coffee
- Fishpond sling pack
- Leaders
- Plier / hemostat / scissors
- Some toiletries
What’s in my Fishpond Backpack carry-on?
- Clothes
- Hat
- Buff (neck gaiter)
- Sunglasses
- Rain jacket
- Camera gear / Drone
- Powerbank, adapter, charger, spare batteries
- Bottle / Flask for coffee
- Medication
- Toiletries
Other miscellaneous that I carry with me
- Passport
- Flight tickets
- AUD cash
- Pen for immigration form in plane
What Fly Rods to Bring
6-weight to 10-weight rods. Most commonly used are 8-weight and 9-weight.
Conditions in Cocos Islands are always windy. 15-20 knot wind are normal. So bring something you can cast.
What Fly Lines
Floating fly lines only. Line weight and taper should match the rods you are bringing. Practice casting before your trip, with fly and in windy conditions if possible.
My choice of reels are always large narrow arbor reels made for saltwater fishing. You’ll appreciate the large narrow arbor reels when the fish swim back towards you.
Let me know below if you think I left out anything or if you have questions.
Cheers and tight loops!
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